A Light In The Dark

by JonJohnsick

Robert Reynolds is The Sentry, an all powerful superhero with godlike powers. He's also The Void, The Sentry's arch-nemesis and destroyer of worlds. He's retreated into himself and let his fears and depression rule his life. It seems that The Void is coming back, but is Robert able to become The Sentry once again? Or will New York finally see its last day?

4. The Good Doctor

CHAPTER 4

Robert stares at his reflection in the fractured mirror. He splashes some water on his face as Bruce waits in the hallway. Robert takes a deep breath and one last look in the mirror.

"Are you ready?" Bruce asks.

"Let's just get this over with." Robert and Bruce leave the apartment and head down the busy sidewalk. They arrive at the door of Dr. Sampson's office, Robert stares long at the sign. He begins to sweat, and Bruce notices.

"We don't have to this, if you're not comfortable-"

"No, no it's..I don't know." Robert looks down at his feet, hoping to find some answer. Bruce grabs Robert's hand.

"Together." Robert nods and they both walk through the door. "Your hand is really sweaty."

"Shut up Banner."

Inside the office, Dr. Sampson stares at his two patients.

"This is an interesting scene." Sampson remarks as Banner chuckles.

"What, us here together?" Bruce asks.

"No, you here without handcuffs on." Bruce's smile fades as Sampson looks to Robert. "It's weird to see you twice in one week Robert, usually I have to scratch and claw to get you in here."

Robert's foot begins tapping and he begins shaking, the sweat on his forehead becomes more prominent.

"We wanted to-"

"Where's the bathroom?" Robert interrupts Bruce. Sampson points to the bathroom door and Robert excuses himself. Robert closes the door behind him and sits on the toilet. He begins to heat up, his skin feels like it's on fire. His chest is tightening and it's becoming harder to breathe. Robert takes off his shirt and tries taking deep breaths. He stops halfway, as if his body can't take in anymore oxygen, and begins breathing in short bursts.

Meanwhile Bruce and Sampson sit in silence, awaiting Robert's return.

"Would you consider Robert and yourself friends?" Sampson breaks the silence.

"I think we understand each other, our situations are very similar."

"But, do you think your friends?" Bruce looks up to the ceiling for a moment.

"Yes, I see him as a friend. Probably my only true friend." Sampson nods his head and jots something down in his notebook. Bruce stands up and walks to the bathroom door.

"Hey buddy, are you ok in there?" Bruce knocks on the door. Bruce and Sampson look at each other. Bruce tries the knob, it's locked. "Permission to break down your door?"

"Quit being a smartass and just do it." Sampson says as Banner breaks through the door. The bathroom is empty, the outside window is open.

"Robert." Bruce shakes his head.